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LAHORE: Early one April morning, a couple of young political workers approach a jogger at the Model Town Park. They ask her who she is going to vote for on May 11. “Shahbaz Sharif. Thanks to his underpass, it takes me just 15 minutes to get to the Liberty from my house.”

A not too brief conversation follows in which the political workers reason with the Shahbaz voter why she should try something different for a change — the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf.

No manifesto is discussed. There is no mention of Imran Khan’s six promises at a recent public meeting.

Khan, as his followers affectionately call him, is change personified.

The PTI razakaars or volunteers are creating new precedents.

The campaign has been going to various parts of Lahore.

In the Gulberg area, three PTI workers — a bearded chap who is the local office bearer of the PTI, a boy studying at a city college and another young man who works at a car mechanic shop — knock at the door of a house.

Finding that those who live inside are not registered as voters in the Gulberg constituency, they leave with photocopies of the national identity cards.

A few days later the good news comes: they have all been enrolled as voters in the area.

At another place on a Friday afternoon the namazis coming out of a mosque are handed pamphlets announcing a PTI candidate.

While the PTI workers posted at the mosque fear no reprimands from the electorate simply because the party has never been in power, the candidate they are advertising is no stranger to the area.

Many elections ago, he had contested on a Jamaat-i-Islami ticket from here.

Could he have been one of the two former Jamaat MPAs present in a news report about the PTI’s launch all these years ago, happily clapping Imran on?

Seventeen years — seventeen long years as the PTI activists recall with the anticipation of those who believe they are about to be vindicated.

It was on April 25, 1996, that Imran Khan launched his party in Lahore.

His fight was to be against corruption and for the rule of law.

The same journalist who had been sufficiently amused by the sight of two old Jamaatias applauding Imran had found it remarkable that at the launch Imran was wearing a shalwar kameez — which was to in later years become for some the symbol of his identification with the popular causes in this country and to others a sign of his alleged hypocrisy.

But before he could begin his long campaign, a few things needed to be straightened out.

Therefore, “Answering another question, he said he was looking for the newsman he had slapped recently, to apologise to him.”

All these years later the media is still to be convinced that his mix of old Jamaatias and young enthusiastic workers fed up with the corruption in the system is the right recipe to power.

But surely, the transformation of his image from being a naïve grumbler to a serious claimant to power, signified by the Oct 2011 jalsa at the Minar-i-Pakistan, has been possible after he recognised the truth that had always been staring him in his face.

Imran became an effective player the moment he decided to challenge the Sharifs in theirs — and his — stronghold.

This observation is supported by his subsequent development as a leader to the point where he is now seen as the most potent threat to the Sharifs in the areas which they have long controlled.

The PTI chief has support elsewhere, yet, amid the countdown to the election, there is so much focus on how many seats the PTI can win in Lahore and some other parts of Punjab where the PML-N has traditionally held sway.

Taking on the Sharifs

Until he declared war on the Sharifs, Imran Khan was to the public eye, more a natural PML-N ally than a leader capable of offering a new option.

After he took on the Sharifs he rose, particularly in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to the extent that he was now berated as helping Asif Zardari’s cause against the PML-N.

Once Imran had gotten his focus right, the next issue was whether he was a replacement of Nawaz Sharif at the head of the centre-right camp (in the Pakistani context) or was he there as just another choice, at most an alternative to Sharif.

In the post-October 2011 phase, the politics between the PML-N and the PTI has played around this crucial point.

The PML-N, while it has countered Imran by taking up projects aimed at the young, has also strived to dispel the impression that Imran could replace Nawaz from his old position as a moderate choice, the old lesser evil in comparison to the forever blundering PPP.

Imran has kept his youthful front at the same time showing greater openness in embracing ideals that could bring him the vital support of the ‘conservatives’ that has sustained Sharif.

The PTI chief has been bold in his statements, such as the ones in which he condemned the war on terror as not ‘our’ war or when he advocates negotiations with the Taliban militants.

These statements may be looked upon as projecting Imran as a replacement of Nawaz rather than the challenger who is content with playing a power alternative to the PML-N just as the PPP has done over the years.

Imran has managed to gather a big party by his side.

Its presence can be felt and Lahore promises a real contest between the Sharifs and a worthy opponent after a long time.

The PTI could have made it even more difficult for PML-N by choosing candidates more cleverly.

It does not suit a challenger to give the impression that its members are shying away from taking the big guns of the PML-N in the polls.

The PTI needed to clash with PML-N head-on. Why not Imran Khan taking on any of the two Sharif brothers in Lahore?

The PML-N sympathisers would draw their own meanings from this PTI reluctance.

They would like to believe the Sharifs have managed to contain the PTI thrust -- by indulging in some time-tested politics.

Shaken from their arrogant perch without doubt by the Imran swing they have combined some visible development projects with some serious repair work in the party.

With this, the Sharifs have managed to prevent the feared erosion in the PML-N’s ranks.

The tell-tale sign where a large number of old PML-N politicians were to cross over to the PTI has eluded the change-seekers.

There has been Javed Hashmi, whose entry to the PTI was supposed to start, if not an exodus, then a steady trickle of known names out of the PML-N and into the PTI.

But that’s been about all.

The PML-N candidates of the past elections stay put in the party for now.

Just as this must be heartening for the Sharifs, a proof of their undiminished appeal, it leaves the PTI preying on the out-of-shape PPP and PML-Q in parts of Punjab to compliment its previous mix of youth and moral teachers that had won it the title of being the good looking Jamaat-i-Islami.

This could not just be limited to the election candidates; there is a feeling that repeatedly beaten at the polls by the N-League, the PPP voters in many areas may discover the friend in the enemy of their enemy and may opt for the PTI in large numbers.

The PML-N rightly recognised the youth as a PTI asset.

In the face of divisions in the party ranks visible at the time of the selection of election candidates and its compromises to get hold of the ‘electables’, the youngsters, among them the new voters, are there to do the damage control job.

They are the PTI’s soul, born out of a genuine craving for change.

They are dreaming dreams, whatever their political colour and however irritating their content may be to those who did wish for a new force but cannot quite relate to who they call ‘Maulana Imran Khan Niazi’ and who they are quick to identify with the headstrong ex-cricketer of the past prone to slapping journalists.

The PML-N would never call him ‘conservative’ names just as it quickly discarded the tactic of painting the PTI as a baby of the establishment.

As Imran Khan himself pointed out this could prove counterproductive for the PML-N. It could create an impression that he was out to replace Nawaz Sharif.

Instead, as the race heats up, he may find himself fielding a fresh volley of the same questions about his morality which he was asked at the launch of his party 17 years ago.

Comments (71) Closed

Mohammad Farooq

Apr 14, 2013 07:01am

No doubt he is the best hope for Pakistan.

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sfomann

Apr 14, 2013 07:21am

I really wish that this time people of Pakistan vote for a change. We have to ask our self of what kind of Pakistan do we want. Same old corrupt family politician who are preparing their children to take over next, or a New Pakistan where everyone is given the opportunity to make a difference.

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Aafaaq Ahmad

Apr 14, 2013 07:38am

Imran is not Sharifs replacement, he is much better than that what sharif is. Hats off to King Khan

I keep writing the youth of Pakistan and Imran Khan are the best combo we have ever had in all
the 66 years of Pakistan. Folks go out vote on May 11th. and do it wisely it is your destiny you are going to change by doing so. Please do not vote in the garbage again.

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Jaffar

Apr 14, 2013 08:16am

I am Sorry Pakistanis, I mistakenly clicked on the disliked button below instead of Like. I support Imran Khan, We must come out of our homes on 11th May and vote to Save Pakistan from corrupt and incompetent status-quo parties. #VOTE FOR BAT #PAKISTAN #PTI ONLY OPTION

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Baber Khan

Apr 14, 2013 08:26am

Not just "the best hope", the ONLY hope!

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Nein

Apr 14, 2013 08:51am

Looks like its going to be difficult for PTI if the voter turnout doesnt increase. The new voters MUST come out and bring change.

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Ali

Apr 14, 2013 08:59am

Imran is the only hope against corrupt Noora Sharif family. Noora Sharif is spending billions to buy people, this is very visible from some TV anchors program's, support from Arsalan Iftikhar's judiciary, joker caretaker interior minister as well as Generals. Youth are the only ones who can bring Imran otherwise the above named mafia has decided to bring Noora so that Arsalan continues to travel the world free and a generals continue to enjoy all luxuries

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Imran

Apr 14, 2013 09:16am

IK is an untested entity as far as political acumen is concerned. he can prove to be another Morsy of Egypt. All this hype and hoopla only because of desperation of common masses as they see no light at the end of the tunnel. I don't think it will be easy for IK to find solutions to all the problems accumulated in 65 years. It will be baptism by fire and his credentials are untested.
A chastised Nawaz Sharif would be a better choice.

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Shafqat

Apr 14, 2013 09:30am

I agree that IK should have taken on Sharif in Lhr.But one who ever votes for PTI votes for IK.Is not be an amazing phenomenon that a common worker like Hafiz Farhat stumbles these Sharifs.No one defeat PTI except PTI it self.Delay in annoucing tickets will provide lesser time for IK to gell the nation for a wonderful change.At least I still am dreaming to see positive change

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Jabeen

Apr 14, 2013 09:31am

This report warmed my heart.
The fervor and motivation that Imran Khan has brought to the political fold is unprecedented.
Sweep or not, he has forever changed the political landscape of Pakistan and this aspect alone will enshrine him in history. Insha'Allah.
Long live Imran Khan!

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farhan

Apr 14, 2013 10:17am

Imran Khan is leading a bunch of emotionally charged youngsters to their doom. All he has is false promises. His theories are not backed by any plans, and he has absolutely no idea what he is going to do. I'm not a fan of any political party, but I feel that PTI is the most I'll conceived of all.

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BEA

Apr 14, 2013 10:51am

He is most probably the only hope left for Pakistan look at what they have to choose from corrupt,greedy, politicians who do not know the truth if they fell over it so go Pakistan its time for change.

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khan

Apr 14, 2013 11:00am

khan is the right choice

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Raisur Rahman

Apr 14, 2013 11:04am

Hi !!! Being an Indian, i can strongly say that, Imran is the only choice for Pakistan in the current scenario. The sharif's are Pakistan's commission agent, i was surprised to see a documentary in you tube filmed and interviewd by Mubashir Lucman, just few days back. The state of the best Hospital in Lahore just beside the route of Jangla bus service. Even the cow shed has better amminity than this so called Lahore's best hospital. These kind of Sharif's will always give Military dictator option to take over the country as the Sharif's and company are mafia extorting country's wealth for their self interest.
Vote For Imran Khan....don't miss this golden opportunity, even Allah on 23rd march Jalsa with thunder and rain made it clear that the change have arrived.

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Abdur-Raheem Khanzada

Apr 14, 2013 11:04am

Imran is the only true leader. I don't see this as just an election...but this is a fight between Haq and Batil. The oppressed are the people with fair business, educated middle class and poor lower middle class. They need to come out against the aggressor which comes in the form of outlaw-politicians, power hungry bureaucrats, greedy men in uniform, hypocrite religious leaders, illiterate language-biased voters.
Let there be faith-inclusive justice, education and employment for our people.

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Indian

Apr 14, 2013 11:10am

Imran is a great leader,leads by example,if Pakistanis fail to elect PTI to power they wil have lost their last and best hope to put the country back on rails.

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Syed

Apr 14, 2013 11:18am

O Mian ji rain deo, saadi vari aan deo!! :-) Love you Imran Khan

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shakeel

Apr 14, 2013 11:27am

i am really surprised , that after giving this nation the best manifesto ever any political party has given before, still imran has been criticised,

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Akram

Apr 14, 2013 11:46am

for those who believe in Imran Khan, and want to help him. Don't just vote, contact the party and get involved, help them get rid of the Biradiri parties, once and for all. Lets clear out this corrupt nepotism for once and for all.

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Tariq

Apr 14, 2013 12:04pm

65 Years of miss-rule and now the Pakistani masses have the choice to take their first step in the right direction. Please go out on the day and vote wisely as you possess the power in your hand to change the destiny of your Country, the nation, your future and your children's, children's future.

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khan@insaf.pk

Apr 14, 2013 12:05pm

Insha Allah PTI victory is coming and LAHORE IS WITH PTI!!!

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Ikram

Apr 14, 2013 12:10pm

I believe this election is the do and die for Pakistan; only with Imran; our generation can think of the better future. The Old Guards need to go and pave the way new leaders; of course not their families

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salman

Apr 14, 2013 12:11pm

garbage-in, garbage-out. Remember this slogan before you cast your vote..so dont be emotional and vote wisely. Just think you are voting for yourself.

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Shahid Sarfraz

Apr 14, 2013 12:19pm

great.. Inshallah we will vote 4 PTI ...

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saad

Apr 14, 2013 12:29pm

imran is a genuine leader. sharifs are hypocrites. zardari is not a hypocrite. what u see is what u get

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Chanpeer

Apr 14, 2013 12:46pm

Only Musharraf and Imran are good leaders

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Mohammad Farooq

Apr 14, 2013 01:00pm

My Pakistani fellows!
We have to encourage everyone to vote on May 11th to change everything for a Naya Pakistan. We have to prove the world that we are not just a pushover and we are awake now to take control our destiny. InshaAllah, we are determined to prove everyone wrong including these so-called political pundits.

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MK

Apr 14, 2013 01:23pm

I have been travelling across Pakistan (Peshawar, ISB, RWP, Abbotabad, Mansehra etc etc) for my work these last three weeks and have been speaking to every taxi/rickshaw driver i hoped in, people at shops and restaurants etc and the decision seems in favour of PTI. Insha ALLAH PTI will win. keep spreading the word.

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Hassan

Apr 14, 2013 01:49pm

It will be a travesty if PTI does not come to power this time around. It will shatter the optimism gripping the youth and I am afraid youth will distance itself from politics once again if PTI fails. For the sake of this nations' future, please vote for PTI on 11th May

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Azhar Hussain

Apr 14, 2013 02:00pm

Not just tell your friends and family to vote, but tell them what he has done so far and what he can do for our country. Inshallah Inshallah Naya Pakistan

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pakistani

Apr 14, 2013 02:30pm

PTI and Imran Khan good luck for upcoming election and even if you won't be able to win enough seats to make government then i'm sure you will be much stronger and real opposition force after the election in the parliament not like what PML n played a role with PPPP to complete it's 5 year term on the expance of loot and plunder of national wealth and resources.

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pakistani

Apr 14, 2013 02:31pm

hope so.

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zsabree

Apr 14, 2013 02:39pm

Excellent, helpful piece!

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a. khan

Apr 14, 2013 02:53pm

Imran is the answer of all questions. lets go captain, open a new chapter in the history of Pakistan.

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Vigilant

Apr 14, 2013 03:32pm

Vote for IK

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Usman

Apr 14, 2013 03:54pm

What a nonsensical article. Seriously is this the best analysis you can come up with about the emergence of IK/PTI and why the masses are fed up with PMLN. And using cheap labels and slogans to prove what logic? sadly DAWN has completely lost all credibility and the level of journalism has gone down the drain there. Unfortunately, will now only rely on foreign press for pak news, despite being distant, at least their content is logical

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ARIF IBRAHIM.

Apr 14, 2013 04:54pm

Vote for Imrans PTI. The only true and devoted leader in Pakistan..Insha_allaha he will lead Pakistan from dark to light. I am a kashmiri and my wish is to see IMRAN as the PM of a new PAKISTAN..He has got the charisma and the true heart to serve PAK and its people.Just for the sake of ALLAHA vote him,and make a new Pakistan which has been devastated by Sharrifs and Zardaris

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Hasnain Haque

Apr 14, 2013 05:36pm

My dear Pakistanis, let me convince you about the rights and wrongs. I dont live in Pakistan and have no affilations with any party or organisations in Pakistan. It pains me to see how bad things are in Pakistan and how Pakistanis fail to see their faults. Now consider a man who was successful in his field, rich and married to a beautiful billioner's daughter. He could have happily lived in England, earned a lot of money and brought up his two sons. However, he gave up his fame, business opportunities and his lifestyle for the nation. He has already achieved so much. The country has been looted by the old feudal lords and surely the people of Pakistan should be giving someone else a chance. What is the worst that can happen, well it cannot get any worst can it ?. My dear Pakistanis make personal sacrifices for the sake of future generations and give someone new a chance to change your destiny. My best wishes to you all Pakistanis. ,

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Mamunur Rashid

Apr 14, 2013 06:26pm

If you Pakistanis don't vote for Imran Khan we will consider you to be not worthy of having the blessings of such a leadership or you Pakistanis don't deserve him as your leader.Love from Bangladesh for PTI and Imran Khan

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Indusonian

Apr 14, 2013 07:09pm

Vote 4 PTI 2 lift Pakistan HI. People do not understand that it's a miracle that PTI is the only party with credible leadership; however, it is up to the nation whether they want to cash in onto this opportunity or not ?

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Gul Kand

Apr 14, 2013 08:54pm

IK is a proven winner and a natural leader. Hope international pressure in politics doesn't derail him from his path.
Go PTI !!

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Khalil

Apr 14, 2013 09:25pm

I would request all the PTI supporters to start a mobile texting campaign in support of PTI,. Send text messages to all your conatcts and ask them to forward the text to their contact and so on. Imran is the only viable option, rest are corrupt to the bone.

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Styris

Apr 14, 2013 09:48pm

PML-N is the best party in Pakistan

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Bilal Habib

Apr 14, 2013 09:54pm

Those people who are educated and follow national and international media are most probably going to vote for IK, however the rest are either too hopeless or biased by centuries old 'beradri' system. Unfortunately, the former didn't vote in Pakistan and form a small percentage of 180 million, while the later are herded on election day by the elites and powerful.

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Nasir

Apr 14, 2013 10:51pm

Voting PML-N into power would mean that Pakistanis do not want a change & are more happy the way they are, meaninglessly complaining about things around them.

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Sal

Apr 15, 2013 01:16am

Musharraf is about to be charged with sedition by breaking the constitution and will likely be spending the rest of his life in jail if not in exile. So much for your good leader...

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Sal

Apr 15, 2013 01:19am

Yes, Zardari is not a hypocrite, he is a genuine corrupt and devious individual. Just the right person to be the President of our Islamic Republic...

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Yawar

Apr 15, 2013 01:29am

It shocks me to see PML-N lead the polls with PTI second. If there is anyone who can give releif to Pakistanis and redirect the nation towards progress it is not Nawaz Sharif or his party but rather Imran Khan and PTI.

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Muhammad Alam

Apr 15, 2013 02:21am

If the nation wants the future of their children secure they must vote for PTI. Others are no less than vultures eyeing our coming generations.

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ronaldo

Apr 15, 2013 02:44am

IMRAN KHAN AND ELECTRICITY MUCH NEEDED IN PAKISTAN. WHAT A SHAME PUNJAB GOVERNMENT (PML N) SPENT SO MUCH MONEY TOWARDS METRO BUS SERVICE FOR NOTHING THAT ALL MONEY COULD HAVE GONE TOWARDS SHORT FALL OF ELECTRICITY IN PUNJAB ATLEAST SO LIFE COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER IN PUNJAB. BECAREFUL GUYS THIS TIME DO NOT ELECT THOSE WHO MADE WRONG DECISION IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS. YOU HAVE GOT ONE AND ONLY OPTION TO SAVE PAKISTAN THAT CAST YOUR VOTE IN FAVOUR OF PAKISTAN TEHREEK E INSAAF. GET RID OF ALL THOSE POLITICIANS WHO HAVE BEEN PLAYING WITH LIFE OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

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khan

Apr 15, 2013 04:11am

IK ZINDA BAD... IK is the best,Chuck in the rest

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dittu

Apr 15, 2013 04:15am

...either u belong to sharif's or ppp, or u have no clue whats happening in the country. u must take a trip abroad. atleast go next door neighbors and it will b enough to open up your shuttered eyes.
shame on you and your likes. stop living in medievel times.

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Abu-Salmaan

Apr 15, 2013 04:33am

Imran Khan is definitely the best option for the repeatedly fooled people of Pakistan by the corrupt politicians. Even if now after having seen the record breaking corruption of the politicians, who have made the country almost a failed state by serving their vested interests instead of serving the national interests, the people have not learned any lesson and will vote for the same corrupt leaders then they should get ready for the worse. as only a fool will make the same mistake repeatedly, and therefore, if the people did not vote wisely and made the same mistake again then they will be proving that they deserve it but if they acted prudently and voted for the one who is not greedy, is a true patriot and has not cheated the people in any way can change and improve their lives and lead the country ambitiously and put it into the path of development setting its priorities adequately.
Imran Khan fits the above description and that's why is the best option and the only hope for the people of Pakistan as he is the only untested versus the repeatedly tested (the corrupt ones).
Under the present circumstances instead of "New Pakistan" IK should adopt the slogan "Save Pakistan and Make it Better".

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waiguoren

Apr 15, 2013 04:39am

Why should I vote for PPP. 4 times in power what developments they have done. You see the condition of the country. Why to vote for Sheriff. not much they had done either. What Musharaaf did. How many oil refinenaries. how many power planst. not to mention he was in power for 8 long years. Why not vote for Imran. Never been in power ..no corruption charges. So based on this logic. My vote goes to Imran Khan.. If you can convince me otherwise. I am here to listen to you /

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Asrar Nazir

Apr 15, 2013 06:42am

Hello Guys,
I am Asrar from Kashmir living in Indonesia currently.
I have good insigth of politics in Indian ,Pakistan and USA.
Based on through analysis in seeing the personality, career ,development and social workI feel Imran Khan is the best option for Pakistan under the circumstances. We feel so bad when we see Paksitan heading towards failure .. being Kashmiri have love Pakistan.
So kindly vote for Pakistan. In his limited capacity he has done much for Pakistan ... In broarder capacity i am sure he will deliver.
I want him to be serious and resolve the Kashmir Issue.. people are being massacared there and no body knows...

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haris

Apr 15, 2013 09:08am

God bless you!
That's all I can pray for you.

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haris

Apr 15, 2013 09:17am

You are absolutely right. The consequences of seeing PTI loosing this election would be far worst than it is though. Shattering of dreams among the young people towards rebuilding and cooperation would surely lead us to a moral Catastrophe.
Pakistan already has the one of World's lowest turn-around in Voting and a set-back in upcoming elections would further slide Pakistan down in the list.
May Allah guide us and let stand for the country.

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haris

Apr 15, 2013 09:35am

@farhan: Imran Khan is leading a bunch of emotionally charged youngsters to their doom.
-- and the rest are accompanied with a bunch of hypocrites, money launderers, tax-evaders, corrupt and perverts. Isn't it?
All he has is false promises.
--- well at least his promises seems more viable than others who say that, they will equal the salary of a labor to the price of 1-tole Gold, wow! amazing!
His theories are not backed by any plans, and he has absolutely no idea what he is going to do.
--- Well! I think the manifesto presented by PTI is more practicable than any other. You better read it and try to understand it.

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Patriot

Apr 15, 2013 09:49am

He born with a silver spoon, studied in elite schools and universities in Pakistan and abroad. He was popular, rich and handsome and was a heartthrob of millions over the world. He was living a life of comforts, luxury and pomp n show. But you know, he left all this for the poor, deprived and vulnerable of this country. He traveled all over Pakistan, met ordinary people, sat with them, ate with them and wore their attire.
Do you remember, this man who once lived like prince, crushed his ego and begged on streets and schools and abroad to help you and me? He built hospitals and university and homes for sick and poor and deprived without being in power. Whenever, there was some tragedy, he was there to help the victims. Be it earthquake, or floods or terrorism, he was standing with his brothers and sisters and helped day in and day out to rehabilitate them. He even destroyed his personal life but did not leave his people.
And do you remember, in return what was given to him, he was mocked, laughed at, disrespected, beaten, jailed and maligned. But I don

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Nadeem

Apr 15, 2013 11:02am

Why this PMLN bashing?. Sometimes it surprises me that why the all major parties in Pakistan like PPP, PTI, MQM, PMLQ and others are waging all out war against PMLN. In the last five years Punjab is the only province which remained peaceful and showed significant progress. The two major problems that really irked the people in Punjab were electricity and gas load shedding both of them not in Punjab control. Worst governance, ever deteriorating law and order situation and massive corruption in the other three provinces and in the federal government had its obvious impact on Punjab. No international investment will come to Punjab when the other three provinces are burning in all sorts of problems.
Secondly, after 2008 elections the split mandate resulted into a hung parliament with not much space to maneuver so PMLN had to move on. I still believe that PMLN is the best choice. Give PMLN a free hand this time to prove its mantle. Divided mandate is not an option.

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Javaid Bashir

Apr 15, 2013 01:04pm

Imran Khan and his PTi brigade has been dreaminng to bring change. it may seem to be an attractive slogan, but it has not given any answers to the meaning of change. What exactly would be the chage that they want to bring. some real vhangr or just cosmetic change, The forces of Status Quo has been painted as the evil forces. lLet us ask Khan pertinent questions, and listen to those answers if he makes some sense.
Khan has basked undreer the glory of his large gatherings in Lahore and Karachi, and else where. But this suppotrt at thr rallies does mnot necessarily translte into vote and success in the coming elections/ we have no problem with that ,but the issues renmin interlocked in the labyrinths of political jungle.
The workers have become ipat ient with the rehetorisc of Khan and have been bored to death. The same mantra has been recited tome and againthat it has become irrelebnvant. Let us hope he gets somre seats this time.
jabvaid Badhir
Lahore

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mk

Apr 15, 2013 02:53pm

Imran should field candidates all over Pakistan, specially in Karachi too, people in Karachi are
sick and tired of MQM. they have done nothing to stablise Karachi.
all they need is power. go Imran go.

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Kdspirited

Apr 15, 2013 02:55pm

The reality on the ground is that our country is now marred with people with twisted ideologies. Almost all major muslim countries in the world have had both liberal and conservative parties in their mix. The true mark of a leader is to bring people and ideologies together and make the most of it. IK will not get anywhere by fighting what is now ingrained in our culture, society and sadly minds. JI is a formidable group and very well organized. The sharifs had to work with them in order to rule Punjab. As long as they are following the PTI party maniesto to better Paksitan how they choose to work with PTI is thier choice. The real question is what this article started with. What has the province of punjab achieved in the 10+ years 2 govt. rules of the Sharifs. Has corruption lessened? Is their less inflation more education and healthcare. Less loadshedding more water more exports of our lush goods. The answer is none of the above. Lahore and not punjab has gotten underpasses, metro buses and a few laptops. Thats the total outcome of years of rule/plundering. Get these poeple out please for god sakes

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Mubina

Apr 15, 2013 04:42pm

don't doubt his sincerity but he still lives like a prince...

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Saad

Apr 15, 2013 05:06pm

The Sharifs have had their chance twice now. They have worked on Punjab through useless projects (I'd like to point out that a couple of new roads are pretty useless), not doing anything for education except a terribly expensive sham that is the laptop scheme and blatant corruption by appointing their own incompetent well wishers in privileged positions. They have the support of the various 'mafia' that run affairs in Pakistan and a strong sense of entitlement (the born to rule...I'm too great to answer to Imran Khan mentality that Nawaz Sharif has). The fact is that the PPP has no realistic chance in the next elections except in Sindh and the Sharifs expect themselves to form the new government where they can continue raping the country as they have done in the past. About time someone kicked them off their high horse!

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Asad Khan

Apr 15, 2013 05:55pm

When are these journalists ever going to take off their colored glasses and see the world for what it is. When are they going to stop this nonsense about Imran's past and him being the religious right. He is the nationalist that the country has been waiting for and the country has made its decision - they better do as well.

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Zafar

Apr 15, 2013 07:08pm

No one disagrees that it will be a hung parliament. It is also hard to disagree that our present president is the best power-broker around. At one point or another, he has succeeded in making coalition with such varied parties as MQM, PML(N), PML(Q), JUI(F) etc. So in my opinion, no change at the presidency, and some hand-picked(by our President of course), small-party candidate in the PM house. People can scream as much as they want, but this is what I think will happen..